By Laurie D. Willis

Livingstone College News Service

SALISBURY – A three-star general who has enjoyed a stellar career in the United States Marine Corps will deliver the keynote address at Livingstone College’s S.E. Duncan Honors Convocation on Thursday.

Lt. Gen. Ronald L. Bailey, deputy commandant for plans, policies and operations, will speak to Livingstone students during the ceremony, which begins at 10 a.m. inside Varick Auditorium. The public is invited.

Honors Convocation is an annual event that recognizes and celebrates scholastic achievement among Livingstone College students. The college also has an annual Founder’s Day celebration and an annual Fall Convocation.

“Each year we have three convocations at Livingstone College, but I have to say the Honors Convocation is the most special to me because it recognizes the outstanding academic accomplishments of our students,” said President Dr. Jimmy R. Jenkins, Sr. “Every time I hear a different student’s name called for an award during Honors Convocation it warms my heart. At Livingstone College we meet students where they are and take them where they need to be to ensure they’re able to command their rightful place in today’s global society. Performing well academically is an excellent way to position yourself to achieve success, and I’m so proud of all of our students who will be honored today for doing just that.”

Jenkins said he’s honored to have Bailey speak at the convocation, named after former Livingstone College President Dr. Samuel Edward Duncan, who left his post with the State Department of Public Instruction to serve as president.

In accepting the job, Duncan said he would try to give back 10 years of service to his alma mater. Ironically, Duncan served 10 years and 10 days as the institution’s president, from July 1, 1958, to July 10, 1968. When he passed away, Duncan was preparing to sign a contract for another new building for the campus.

Some of Duncan’s relatives will attend convocation, where Bailey will deliver the keynote address. A native of St. Augustine, Florida, Bailey graduated in 1977 from Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee, at which time he commissioned as a second lieutenant.

Bailey was trained as an infantry officer and has held operational command at every level, from company through division. Career highlights include leading the 2nd Marine Regiment during the opening stages of Operation Iraqi Freedom, serving as commanding general of all Marine Corps recruiting efforts nationwide and serving as commanding general of the storied 19,000-man 1st Marine Division. Additionally, Bailey has held a variety of key staff jobs at Headquarters Marine Corps, European Command and the Joint Staff.

In his current role, Bailey advises the commandant, oversees force management for 186,000-plus marines and supervises the development and implementation of enterprise-wide operational plans and policies.

Bailey has a master’s degree from the National War College and attended a prestigious one-year fellowship at the Council on Foreign Relations, of which he is still a member. His awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal with bronze oak leaf, Legion of Merit with combat V, Meritorious Service Medal with two gold stars, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with gold star, the Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Presidential Unit Citation and the Combat Action Ribbon.